VCK leader D Ravikumar has urged Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay not to induct rebel AIADMK MLAs into the state cabinet. The rebel faction has sought the disqualification of former Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami and 21 MLAs who voted against the TVK government during a recent trust vote.
Rebel AIADMK MLAs seek disqualification
The dissident group within the AIADMK has demanded action against Palaniswami and the 21 MLAs who defied the party whip and voted against the government led by Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). However, Palaniswami has not sought any punitive measures against the rebels, leading to a rift within the party.
VCK’s appeal to the Chief Minister
In a statement, D Ravikumar, a prominent leader of the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), urged CM Vijay to uphold democratic principles and not reward those who acted against party discipline. He stressed that inducting such MLAs into the cabinet would set a wrong precedent and undermine the integrity of the legislature.
The VCK, which is an ally of the ruling TVK, has consistently advocated for ethical governance. Ravikumar’s appeal comes amid speculation that the state government might consider including some rebel MLAs to strengthen its majority.
Political analysts view this development as a test of the TVK government’s commitment to coalition dharma and internal democracy within parties. The final decision rests with Chief Minister Vijay, who has so far remained non-committal on the issue.
